Judge Kevin Conner accepted their pleas and sentenced them to a collective fine of $4,000 plus court costs and to pay $1,178 of restitution to the state of Louisiana for the illegally taken red snapper.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents stopped the four in Empire on June 23, 2013 while on a Joint Enforcement Agreement patrol in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service.

During the stop agents were shown a limit of red snapper. After further investigation, agents discovered two hidden compartments in the bow of the vessel that contained more red snapper. The subjects were in possession of 40 red snapper placing them 32 fish over their allowable limit. Eighteen were under the minimum size limit of 16 inches.

Jerry Lobrano, who is the assistant District Attorney for Charles Ballay, prosecuted the case.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Adam Young and Senior Agent Jason Gernados.